In one embodiment, a device in a network receives an indication of an appropriation and defense time slot for a set of time slots in a channel hopping schedule. The device appropriates ownership of the set of time slots using an appropriation window of the appropriation and defense time slot. The device receives an appropriation request from a second device during the appropriation window. In response to receiving the appropriation request, the device sends a defense notification during a defense window of the appropriation and defense time slot.
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1. A method, comprising: dividing, by a device in a network, a channel hopping schedule into sets of time slots, wherein the time slots in a particular set are associated with corresponding wireless channels; selecting, by the device, a time slot in the particular set of time slots as an appropriation and defense time slot that can be used by nodes in the network to vie for ownership of the set of time slots; dividing, by the device, the selected time slot into a plurality of sub-slots; assigning, by the device, an appropriation window to one or more of the sub-slots that can be used by a first one of the network nodes to claim ownership of the particular set of time slots; and assigning, by the device, a defense window to one or more of the sub-slots that can be used by the first network node to defend against a claim of ownership of the particular set of time slots by a second one of the network nodes.
A device in a network manages time slots in a channel hopping schedule by dividing the schedule into sets, where each set's time slots correspond to specific wireless channels. It designates a time slot within each set as the "appropriation and defense" slot, enabling network nodes to compete for ownership of that set. This selected time slot is further divided into sub-slots, assigning some as an "appropriation window" for nodes (like the first node) to claim the set. Other sub-slots form a "defense window," allowing the claiming node to defend its ownership against challenges from other nodes (like the second node).
2. The method as in claim 1 , further comprising: assigning, by the device, a child defense window to one or more of the sub-slots that can be used by a child node of the first network node to defend against the claim of ownership by the second node.
In addition to the time slot management described previously, the device also assigns a "child defense window" within the appropriation and defense time slot. These sub-slots are specifically designated for child nodes (nodes directly linked to the first claiming node) to defend the ownership of the time slot set against competing nodes, such as a second node attempting to seize control. This provides an extra layer of defense for networks structured hierarchically.
3. The method as in claim 1 , wherein the first network node claims ownership of the set of time slots by transmitting a binary representation of a number in corresponding sub-slots of the appropriation window.
The method described previously uses a specific mechanism for a node to claim ownership of a set of time slots. During the appropriation window (sub-slots within the appropriation and defense time slot), the first network node transmits a binary representation of a number. This number, when successfully transmitted within the appropriation window, signifies the node's claim to ownership of the associated set of time slots within the channel hopping schedule. The transmission is done via the corresponding sub-slots of the appropriation window.
4. The method as in claim 3 , wherein the number is randomly generated by the first node.
Building on the previous description of time slot ownership claiming, the number transmitted by the first node during the appropriation window (as a binary representation in corresponding sub-slots) is a randomly generated number. This randomness aims to prevent predictable claim attempts and reduces the likelihood of collisions when multiple nodes try to claim the same set of time slots simultaneously.
5. The method as in claim 1 , further comprising: notifying, by the device, the first and second network nodes of the appropriation and defense windows of the time slot.
As part of the time slot management system, the device notifies network nodes (specifically the first and second nodes contending for ownership) about the appropriation and defense windows within the designated appropriation and defense time slot. This notification informs the nodes when they can claim ownership (appropriation window) and when they can defend their claim (defense window), ensuring all devices are aware of the contention periods for each time slot set.
6. A method comprising: receiving, at a device in a network, an indication of an appropriation and defense time slot for a set of time slots in a channel hopping schedule; appropriating, by the device, ownership of the set of time slots using an appropriation window of the appropriation and defense time slot; receiving, at the device, an appropriation request from a second device during the appropriation window; and, in response to receiving the appropriation request, sending, by the device, a defense notification during a defense window of the appropriation and defense time slot.
A device in a network receives an indication of an "appropriation and defense" time slot for a set of time slots in a channel hopping schedule. The device claims ownership of the set by transmitting during the "appropriation window" of this slot. If another device requests ownership during this window, the device sends a "defense notification" during the subsequent "defense window" of the same appropriation and defense time slot. This sequence is the basis for managing contention and ownership of time slots.
7. The method as in claim 6 , further comprising: assigning, by the device, communication schedules to one or more child nodes of the device using the set of time slots.
Building on the time slot management process described previously, a device that has claimed ownership of a set of time slots further assigns communication schedules to its child nodes using these time slots. This allows the parent node to control and allocate bandwidth to its directly connected devices, ensuring efficient use of the channel hopping schedule and providing a mechanism for managing network resources within its assigned time slots.
8. The method as in claim 6 , wherein sending the defense notification comprises: s generating, by the device, a random binary number; and transmitting a binary representation of the number in corresponding sub-slots of the appropriation window.
In the context of the prior claim, when a device sends a "defense notification" to protect its ownership of a set of time slots, it does so by generating a random binary number. It then transmits a binary representation of that number across the sub-slots of the defense window within the appropriation and defense time slot. The transmission of a newly generated random number acts as a signal of defense against the appropriation request.
9. The method as in claim 6 , further comprising: notifying, by the device, a path computation element (PCE) in the network of the ownership of the set of time slots by the device.
After a device successfully appropriates ownership of a set of time slots, it notifies a Path Computation Element (PCE) within the network. This PCE is informed about the device's ownership of the set of time slots. The notification helps the PCE to maintain an accurate network topology and optimize routing decisions, taking into account the current ownership status of the channel hopping schedule's time slots.
10. The method as in claim 6 , further comprising: receiving, at the device, a defense notification from a particular network node during the defense window of the appropriation and defense time slot; and initiating, by the device, a challenge with the particular network node for ownership of the set of time slots.
In the event that a device, which has appropriated a set of time slots, receives a defense notification from another network node during the defense window, the device initiates a "challenge" with that node for ownership. This challenge mechanism serves as a further arbitration process to resolve conflicts arising from simultaneous appropriation requests and ensures fair allocation of time slots based on a defined protocol.
11. The method as in claim 10 , further comprising: selecting, by the device, a random number; and determining that the device is to retain ownership of the set of time slots based on the random number.
Following the challenge initiated after receiving a defense notification, the device selects a random number. Based on this randomly selected number (and potentially a comparison with a number selected by the challenging node), the device determines whether it retains ownership of the disputed set of time slots. This introduces an element of chance in resolving conflicts, preventing deterministic takeovers and promoting fairness.
12. The method as in claim 10 , further comprising: selecting, by the device, a random number; and determining that the device has lost ownership of the set of time slots based on the random number.
Following the challenge initiated after receiving a defense notification, the device selects a random number. Based on this randomly selected number (and potentially a comparison with a number selected by the challenging node), the device determines that it has lost ownership of the disputed set of time slots. This indicates a handover of ownership based on the challenge outcome and the random number.
13. The method as in claim 12 , wherein determining that the device has lost ownership of the set of time slots comprises: determining that the device has lost ownership of the set of time slots temporarily; and initiating a new challenge with the particular network node for ownership of the set of time slots.
In the scenario where a device determines it has lost ownership of a time slot due to a challenge based on a random number, the loss can be temporary. The device then initiates a new challenge with the same network node to regain ownership of the set of time slots. This allows for short-term relinquishing of control while retaining the option to compete for ownership again.
14. The method as in claim 12 , wherein determining that the device has lost ownership of the set of time slots comprises: determining that the device has lost ownership of the set of time slots permanently.
In the scenario where a device determines it has lost ownership of a time slot due to a challenge based on a random number, the loss can be permanent. This signifies a complete relinquishing of control of the set of time slots to the challenging node, potentially altering the device's communication schedule and network topology.
15. An apparatus, comprising: one or more network interfaces to communicate with a network; a processor coupled to the network interfaces and configured to execute one or more processes; and a memory configured to store a process executable by the processor, the process when executed operable to: divide a channel hopping schedule into sets of time slots, wherein the time slots in a particular set are associated with corresponding wireless channels; select a time slot in a particular set of time slots as an appropriation and defense time slot that can be used by nodes in the network to vie for ownership of the particular set of time slots; divide the selected time slot into a plurality of sub-slots; assigning, by the device, an appropriation window to one or more of the sub-slots that can be used by a first one of the network nodes to claim ownership is of the particular set of time slots; and assign a defense window to one or more of the sub-slots that can be used by the first network node to defend against a claim of ownership of the particular set of time slots by a second one of the network nodes.
A device that can participate in a network featuring channel hopping includes network interfaces, a processor, and memory. The device divides a channel hopping schedule into sets of time slots associated with wireless channels. It selects a time slot within a set as the "appropriation and defense" slot, enabling nodes to vie for ownership. The device then divides this slot into sub-slots, assigning some as an "appropriation window" for claiming the set and others as a "defense window" for defending against ownership challenges from other nodes.
16. The apparatus as in claim 15 , wherein the process when executed is further operable to: assign a child defense window to one or more of the sub-slots that can be used by a child node of the first network node to defend against the claim of ownership by the second node.
The device described previously also assigns a "child defense window" within the appropriation and defense time slot. These sub-slots are specifically designated for child nodes (nodes directly linked to the first claiming node) to defend the ownership of the time slot set against competing nodes, such as a second node attempting to seize control. This provides an extra layer of defense for networks structured hierarchically.
17. The apparatus as in claim 15 , wherein the first network node claims ownership of the set of time slots by transmitting a binary representation of a number in corresponding sub-slots of the appropriation window.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing time slot ownership in shared communication channels. The problem addressed is the need for an efficient and conflict-free mechanism for network nodes to claim ownership of time slots in a shared medium, ensuring fair and coordinated access without collisions. The apparatus includes a first network node configured to claim ownership of a set of time slots by transmitting a binary representation of a number in corresponding sub-slots of an appropriation window. The appropriation window is a designated time period divided into sub-slots, where each sub-slot corresponds to a specific time slot in the shared channel. The first network node transmits a binary value (e.g., 0 or 1) in each sub-slot to indicate its intent to claim ownership of the associated time slot. The binary representation of a number is used to uniquely identify the claiming node, ensuring that only the intended node can successfully claim the slots. The apparatus may also include a second network node that monitors the appropriation window to detect the binary transmissions from the first node. If the second node detects the binary pattern, it recognizes the first node's claim and refrains from contesting the ownership of those time slots. The system ensures that only one node can successfully claim a set of time slots, preventing conflicts and enabling efficient channel access. The method is particularly useful in decentralized networks where nodes must coordinate access without centralized control.
18. The method as in claim 17 , wherein the number is randomly generated by the first node.
Building on the previous description of time slot ownership claiming, the number transmitted by the first node during the appropriation window (as a binary representation in corresponding sub-slots) is a randomly generated number. This randomness aims to prevent predictable claim attempts and reduces the likelihood of collisions when multiple nodes try to claim the same set of time slots simultaneously.
19. The apparatus as in claim 15 , wherein the process when executed is further operable to: notifying, by the device, the first and second network nodes of the appropriation and defense windows of the time slot.
As part of the time slot management system, the device notifies network nodes (specifically the first and second nodes contending for ownership) about the appropriation and defense windows within the designated appropriation and defense time slot. This notification informs the nodes when they can claim ownership (appropriation window) and when they can defend their claim (defense window), ensuring all devices are aware of the contention periods for each time slot set.
20. An apparatus, comprising: one or more network interfaces to communicate with a network; a processor coupled to the network interfaces and configured to execute one or more processes; and a memory configured to store a process executable by the processor, the process when executed operable to: receive an indication of an appropriation and defense time slot for a set of time slots in a channel hopping schedule; appropriate ownership of the set of time slots using an appropriation window of the appropriation and defense time slot; receive an appropriation request from a second device during the appropriation window; and, in response to receiving the appropriation request, send a defense notification during a defense window of the appropriation and defense time slot.
A device featuring channel hopping capabilities includes network interfaces, a processor, and memory. It's configured to receive an indication of an "appropriation and defense" time slot for a set of time slots. The device claims ownership of the set by transmitting during the "appropriation window" of this slot. If another device requests ownership during this window, the device sends a "defense notification" during the subsequent "defense window" of the same appropriation and defense time slot. This sequence manages contention and ownership.
21. The apparatus as in claim 20 , wherein the process when executed is further operable to: assign communication schedules to one or more child nodes of the apparatus using the set of time slots.
Building on the time slot management process described previously, a device that has claimed ownership of a set of time slots further assigns communication schedules to its child nodes using these time slots. This allows the parent node to control and allocate bandwidth to its directly connected devices, ensuring efficient use of the channel hopping schedule and providing a mechanism for managing network resources within its assigned time slots.
22. The apparatus as in claim 20 , wherein sending the defense notification comprises: generating a random binary number; and transmitting a binary representation of the number in corresponding sub-slots of the appropriation window.
In the context of the prior claim, when a device sends a "defense notification" to protect its ownership of a set of time slots, it does so by generating a random binary number. It then transmits a binary representation of that number across the sub-slots of the defense window within the appropriation and defense time slot. The transmission of a newly generated random number acts as a signal of defense against the appropriation request.
23. The apparatus as in claim 20 , wherein the process when executed is further operable to: receive a defense notification from a particular network node during the defense window of the appropriation and defense time slot; and initiate a challenge with the particular network node for ownership of the set of time slots.
This invention relates to network communication systems, specifically a method for managing time slot ownership in a shared network environment. The problem addressed is ensuring fair and secure allocation of time slots for data transmission, particularly in scenarios where multiple nodes may attempt to appropriate the same time slots. The invention provides a mechanism to resolve conflicts by allowing nodes to defend their ownership of time slots through a challenge process. The apparatus includes a processor configured to execute a process that monitors time slot appropriation and defense activities. During an appropriation and defense time slot, a network node may send a defense notification to assert ownership of a set of time slots. The process receives this notification and initiates a challenge with the defending node to verify ownership. The challenge ensures that only the legitimate owner retains control of the time slots, preventing unauthorized access. The system operates within predefined time windows to coordinate these interactions efficiently. The invention improves network reliability by reducing conflicts over time slot usage and ensuring that only authorized nodes maintain control of allocated resources. This is particularly useful in environments where multiple nodes compete for limited transmission opportunities, such as in wireless or mesh networks. The challenge mechanism provides a robust way to validate ownership, enhancing security and fairness in time slot management.
24. The apparatus as in claim 23 , wherein the process when executed is further operable to: select a random number; and determine that the apparatus is to retain ownership of the set of time slots based on the random number.
Following the challenge initiated after receiving a defense notification, the device selects a random number. Based on this randomly selected number (and potentially a comparison with a number selected by the challenging node), the device determines whether it retains ownership of the disputed set of time slots. This introduces an element of chance in resolving conflicts, preventing deterministic takeovers and promoting fairness.
25. The apparatus as in claim 23 , further comprising: select a random number; and determine that the apparatus has lost ownership of the set of time slots based on the random number.
Following the challenge initiated after receiving a defense notification, the device selects a random number. Based on this randomly selected number (and potentially a comparison with a number selected by the challenging node), the device determines that it has lost ownership of the disputed set of time slots. This indicates a handover of ownership based on the challenge outcome and the random number.
26. The apparatus as in claim 25 , wherein determining that the device has lost ownership of the set of time slots comprises: determining that the device has lost ownership of the set of time slots temporarily; and initiating a new challenge with the particular network node for ownership of the set of time slots.
In the scenario where a device determines it has lost ownership of a time slot due to a challenge based on a random number, the loss can be temporary. The device then initiates a new challenge with the same network node to regain ownership of the set of time slots. This allows for short-term relinquishing of control while retaining the option to compete for ownership again.
27. The apparatus as in claim 25 , wherein determining that the device has lost ownership of the set of time slots comprises: determining that the device has lost ownership of the set of time slots permanently.
In the scenario where a device determines it has lost ownership of a time slot due to a challenge based on a random number, the loss can be permanent. This signifies a complete relinquishing of control of the set of time slots to the challenging node, potentially altering the device's communication schedule and network topology.
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July 21, 2014
March 7, 2017
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